Sunday, October 27, 2013

Interview with Beth Wiseman and Giveaway!!!

Enter to win a copy of Beth's book, PLAIN PEACE, by answering the question below. Leave a comment including contact information

1. Why do
you write the kind of books you do?I
used to think that I was writing books for the enjoyment of my readers and to
spread God’s word through the gift of story. I still believe that, but I’ve learned over the
years that with each book, I am also ministering to my own soul—learning not to
carry the burdens of the past and growing on my own spiritual path.

2. What are you reading right now? My writing preferences are all
over the place, but right now, I am reading Joyland by Stephen King. It’s a coming of age story that’s a bit scary
as well. J

3. What is your current work in progress? I just
finished a non-Amish contemporary that was way out of the box for me, and it’s
a story that is close to my heart. It
will take the reader from Texas
to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. The Promise is totally fiction, but definitely inspired by a true
story.

4. How do you choose your settings
for each book? For my Amish books, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
is the setting, and I’ve traveled there several times to meet with Amish
friends. I chose the town of Paradise in LancasterCounty because of the
quaint, small town feel—and of course, it is home to a huge population of Amish
folks. I live in a small town in Texas, and I love the
friendliness of the people and slower pace.
That drew me to LancasterCounty too. I have also released two non-Amish
contemporaries set in small Texas
towns—Need You Now and The House that Love Built.

5. What three
things about you would surprise readers? I’m not really a blonde (although that might
not surprise anyone). I
sometimes walk around my house whistling the song from The Flintstones (I have
no idea why). I’ve been on a coyote hunt
(and won’t be going again).
6, What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I love to paint with
acrylics. I’m not very good at it, but
it relaxes me. And I love to cook and
try new recipes. Luckily for me, my
husband will eat just about anything.
There have been a few recipes that didn’t turn out exactly as
planned.

7. What advice would you give to a beginning author? It’s so cliché, but never give
up. I believe anyone can get published
if they study the craft and have even the tiniest bit of creativity. Most people will give up because they can’t
handle the rejection that usually goes with the territory.

8. Is there one
particular message or “moral of the story” you hope readers walk away with in
Plain Peace? This would tie back to me
ministering to my own sole. Peace comes
from within based on the way we live our lives, our relationships with others,
and certainly our relationship with God.
Live your life in a way that nurtures others and makes you feel good
about yourself.

9. How do you see yourself in your character’s
story, if at all? I think there is always a
little part of me in every character—even the bad ones, lol. For example, I tend to carry the burdens of
my past. I forgive others easily, but I
have trouble forgiving myself. And for a
long time, I wondered if there was a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to pray. Those are just a few examples. But my cup is almost always half full,
though, and not half empty. I find hope
in almost all situations. So themes of
forgiveness, redemption, and hope usually find a way into my stories, and I
think good stories are better when we bear our own souls a little bit.

10. What’s on the horizon for
you? What will you be writing next? I will be working on a novella
in conjunction with eleven other authors for a compilation of ‘bride’ stories. I’m the July bride. J From there, I’ll write another Amish novella,
then an Amish full-length, then another contemporary, more Amish novellas, and
so on... Lots of books on the horizon. I’ve been incredibly blessed.

Answer this question to be entered into the giveaway. Who has been your favorite character in the Daughters of the Promise series, and why?

Beth Wiseman is an award-winning and best-selling author who is best known for her Amish novels, but she is now spreading her wings in other genres as well. Her two latest releases—Need You Now and The House that Love Built—are non-Amish contemporaries set in small Texas towns, both of which have garnished glowing reviews. However, her current project will take readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. More information on this exciting project will be coming soon!

34 comments:

I have to admit that I haven't read this, although I have purchased many of them and love them. So it looks like I will need to be on the watch for them. She is one of my favorite Amish authors and I look forward to each book of hers that I can get my hands on! Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com

I like Miriam. She had a strong faith for which she was very passionate about. She was also very head strong. If she believed in something she made it possible. I think Miriam and I would have been great friends!

Loved the interview with Beth. Very interesting that she once was a coyote hunter! Much braver than what I am!

I have not read any of these books yet. I have them all but waiting for the complete set to start reading. Would love to win and add the newest book to my collection. Thank you for the chance.Karen G.kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

I love read the series except for the new book "Plain Peace" and I love all of the characters.

I would have to go with Lillian Miller because she has the same name as my great-grandmother who was Mennonite and most of all Lillian Miller reminded me of her and myself.I feel some days I dont know who I am since my great-grandmother has passed nine years ago, but keeping faith in God has kept me connected to Him and her.

I have read all in the series but this one. I love Miriam and Sadie. Its hard to chose. Her books are awesome. I can't put them down and love all the characters. God has given her a great gift of writing.

I have read all of the Daughters of the Promise series and I think that Lillian is still my favorite. It is a hard choice. But I was just impressed with how much she had to overcome from her past and how thoroughly she adapted to Amish life.Brittany McEuenkbmceuen at yahoo dot com

I like Miriam. She has a strong faith for the things she likes ,wants and needs. She is very head strong. If she believed she stuck with her beliefs and it happen. i would love to win the book your books are really good Shirley Blanchard jcisforme@aol.com

This is the series that started my love for the Amish and for the books that are written about them. I have learned so much thru the books and would love win the last one. My favorite one is Sadie. Just loved the whole story line. lanore_lewis@hotmail.com

I like Lillian because of her struggle to find peace, her challenge to learn to live in a new culture, and of the relationship building between her and her grandparents as well as with Samuel. Also, I just wanted to add a thank you because often times I finish your stories and want to read more....it was a nice surprise to read bits about Lillian and Samuel in the other Daughters of Promise Series Books. I love it.

I absolutely love the whole Daughters Of Promise series and I can't wait to read Plain Peace. If I had to choose a favorite character I would say Carley Marek from Plain Pursuit. I really enjoyed reading about her journey to Amish country and really felt that I could connect with her character.

I absolutely loved Dr. Noah. Even though he was shunned he never held anything against anyone in the Community that shunned him. He was always there to help and he is such a sweet character. Loved him!

I absolutely LOVE all of your books and am eager to read any and all books of yours, whether it's Amish related or not. You are a wonderful writer!! Thank you!

I have not read any of the books in this series. I have most of them in my very, very large TBR pile. Would love a chance to add this one and start reading the series. Thank you.Karen G.kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com